President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which many of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled his travel authorization after he urged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
